Explore Confluence, a new installation by Laurie Bogdan and Kimberley Harding. Then follow a path enriched by the continuing presence of earlier installations (PATHWAYS).

“Confluence, a new public art installation by Arlington artists Laurie Bogdan and Kimberley Harding, is on display at Spy Pond Park near the playground through October 31. This piece is made from rope that is finger woven in the “sprang” method. It shows a river system woven into the sprang made entirely from reused plastic bags that have been fused together. The artists were inspired by the history of the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord rivers. The extremities of Confluence depict the environmental pollution in rivers from the textile industry, mercury build up, and the excess silt and algae bloom caused by climate change.” ( quote from Arts Arlington ART FLOWS AT SPY POND)

As you climb the stairway from Confluence to the (Minuteman Bikeway) bike path, on your right you can view one of Chris Frost’s uniquely designed birdhouses, Colony III (installed 2020) above traces of Frank Vasello’s composition of branches, Current (2017).

Cross the bike path and gaze up at three of many more crocheted PLARN sculptures from Persistence: A Community Response to Pervasive Plastic, installed in 2020 among trees along the bike path.

Heading toward Arlington center on your left, at the first overpass fence, notice the replenished supply of ExtraOrdinary Birds cards designed by Resa Blatman and Ellen Reed in 2018. You’ll see plenty more pieces from Persistence on both sides as you continue.

On this brief journey, you have already witnessed a variety of enduring forms that might be called “temporary” art. Thoughtful planning and attention have supported their endurance through wild weather, assertive seasons, and uncertain times. Our joy and appreciation uphold that support. And trees do too, essentially.

Pathways: Art on the Minuteman Bikeway offers summaries and links to more details about these and additional public art projects in Arlington.

Confluence graced another temporary setting among different trees and terrain above Fairyland Pond last year (2020 Art Ramble) in Hapgood Wright Town Forest, Concord. Link to ART OUTDOORS and scroll or search for posts from past years about Art Ramble, Colony I, II, and III, Current, Persistence, ExtraOrdinary Birds, and even more public art in Arlington.